The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water - by Erin Bartels (Paperback)

About the Book

An anonymous letter from a Very Disappointed Reader sends a novelist back to the lake where she spent her childhood summers in order to prove that what she wrote happened the way she'd remembered. But the truth turns out to be far more complicated, showing that sometimes the story we think we're telling is another story altogether.

Book Synopsis

"Emotions leap off the page in this deeply personal book . . . . Expertly written."--Library Journal

***

The best fiction simply tells the truth.
But the truth is never simple.

When novelist Kendra Brennan moves into her grandfather's old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very Disappointed Reader. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter's claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn't easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.

***

"Bartels explores troubled relationships, questions of truth and memory, and how stories are created and told."--Booklist

"Erin Bartels has become one of those authors that I read every book she writes without even reading the synopsis or looking at the cover. The stories are just that good and the tension and internal conflict her characters have intensifies with each story. The Girl Who Can Breathe Under Water is no exception."--Write-Read-Life

"Erin Bartels skillfully weaves threads of love, hope, forgiveness, and restoration in a tapestry that also portrays abuse, despair, hatred, and brokenness. Subtly and effectively, Bartels sets her novel on the foundation of Christian hope and God's sovereignty over all things."--The Banner

"Bartels continues to amaze and this--at least until the next book--is her best. It's a bit early in the year to be talking about awards and accolades, but I'm not convinced it's premature. Truly, an outstanding book."--Life Is Story

From the Back Cover

The best fiction simply tells the truth.
But the truth is never simple.

When novelist Kendra Brennan moves into her grandfather's old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very Disappointed Reader. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter's claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn't easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.


Praise for the novels of Erin Bartels

"Bartels proves herself a master wordsmith and storyteller."--Library Journal starred review of All That We Carried

"A story of love found in the written word and love found because of the written word."--Booklist on The Words between Us

"A deeply moving story of heartbreak, long-held secrets, and the bonds of family."--Publishers Weekly starred review of We Hope for Better Things


Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, and All That We Carried. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

About the Author

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of All That We Carried, 2020 Christy finalist The Words between Us, and We Hope for Better Things, a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, 2020 WFWA Star Award-winner, and 2019 Christy finalist. A publishing professional for twenty years, she lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.